Pressurized liquid fill gun apparatus and method of use

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a fill gun apparatus for interconnection of a pump truck and a pressurized liquid delivery system. The fill gun apparatus can be easily attached and detached from an inlet port to deliver a pressurized fluid, for improved delivery, increased efficiency, increased safety, and decreased waste.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to provisional patent application No.62/772,794, entitled “PRESSURIZED LIQUID FILL GUN APPARATUS AND METHODOF USE”, filed Nov. 29, 2018, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to fill gun apparatus for the deliveryof pressurized fluid products used for beverage, welding, medical andother fields and methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The fill gun apparatus and method of use of the present invention mayhave applications in additional other industries using carbon dioxide orsimilar systems, such as fire protection systems, welding, medical, andother industries using pressurized liquids, such as represented in U.S.Pat. No. 2,363,200 relating to a gas dispensing system. U.S. Pat. Nos.2,813,402, 3,392,537 and 6,601,618 disclose generic liquefied gas systemrelevant to wide applications. The discussion in this application,however, will relate primarily to the beverage dispensing industry.

The beverage industry uses carbon dioxide to carbonate and to movebeverages from a storage tank to a dispensing area. For beverages suchas beer, the beer can be contained in large kegs in a remote location,e. g., the basement or storage room, and the taps at the bar candispense the beer. This method eliminates the storage of beer kegs inthe bar area and allows the beer keg delivery and removal to occur in anarea other than that in which patrons may be sitting.

In order to get the beverages from the storage area to the serving area,prior art has used carbon dioxide among other gases. The carbon dioxideis generally delivered as a liquid in large heavy DOT cylinders andhooked to the dispensing system. When the tanks are hooked to thesystem, a certain volume, generally about one third of the tank, in aone tank system or one third of the tank volume in a multi-tank systemis not filled with liquid. This allows the carbon dioxide to boil to agaseous state. It is this gaseous state that is then used to carbonateand to move the desired beverage from the storage room or basement tothe delivery area and provide much of the carbonation to the beverages.

One problem with this general system is that the carbon dioxide tanksmust be changed or when the current tanks run out, they must be replacedwith new tanks. This can be inconvenient and time consuming. If only oneperson is working, then they are required to leave the patron area andmanually change the tank to allow the refreshments to continue to flow.In addition, delivery of additional filled tanks cannot always occurwhen they are needed if a user runs out in the late evening or duringnon-business hours. This problem can be somewhat lessened by usingmultiple liquid tanks, but this uses more space and can be moreexpensive to monitor and refill.

To refill or replace a tank, the system must generally be completelyshut down, so no beverages can be served, and service or deliverypersonnel can move the full liquid carbon dioxide tanks into thebusiness and remove the empty tanks. Generally, several valves must beshut off while the tanks are changed. The business must wait until thechangeover is complete before beverages can be served again.

Some systems exist where the physical changing of the tanks has beeneliminated. This is done by delivering liquid carbon dioxide to thetanks or system pre-existing in the businesses. Generally, a pump truckdelivers the liquid carbon dioxide to a fill line plumbed to the outsideof the building. The delivery personnel must then enter theestablishment to close and adjust various valves. The system is thenshut down and the dispensing of beverages must cease until the fillingprocess is complete. Delivery personnel must then return to the truckand start the pump. They must then carefully watch the system to attemptto determine when the system is full. This can be difficult to determinewith any uniformity. Some weeks a business may do very well withbeverages and some weeks may not do so well. While an operator may get ageneral sense, it is difficult to determine without the trial and errormethod, when the system is full.

Some art uses relief valves to indicate when the system is full. Therelief valves release carbon dioxide from the system when apredetermined pressure is met. This method of determining when thesystem is full is wasteful and can result in increased pressure hazardsfrom overfilling. Overfilling can also result in the system operatingimproperly because the system needs to maintain the proper liquid gasratios and overfilling lessens the efficiency of the system as a whole.

When the delivery person determines that the system is full, the processof opening and adjusting various valves must again occur before thetruck is disconnected from the system. While these types of systems doeliminate much of the inconvenience of physically changing out tanks,there are still significant disadvantages to this liquid delivery systemcommon in the art.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,618, noted above and incorporated by reference,discloses a filling apparatus that is made up of a gas passage connectedto a storage tank via a connection passage, a first gas valve that opensand closes the gas passage, a pressure gas passage connected to apressure gas supply source, a pressure gas valve that opens and closesthe pressure gas passage, an exhaust passage that allows an interior ofa container to communicate with the external thereof, and an exhaustvalve that opens and closes the exhaust passage. With this fillingapparatus, before a pressurized filling operation, both the gas passageand the pressure gas passage are opened to pressurize the interior ofthe container with a carbonated gas supplied through both passages.Further, before an unpressurized filling operation, both the gas passageand the pressure gas passage are opened to perform a flushing operationin which droplets are discharged from the gas passage with air exhaustedfrom the container into the storage tank via the gas passage. Then,after the filling operation, both the gas passage and the exhaustpassage are opened to discharge a certain amount of filling liquidremaining in the gas passage, into the container.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,113,905 and 4,936,343, both of which are incorporatedby reference, disclose a carbon dioxide fill manifold and method forusing which is designed to provide an end-user with an uninterruptedsupply of carbon dioxide gas, while at the same time eliminating thenecessity of transporting individual, conventional pressurized bottlesto be refilled. In an embodiment the carbon dioxide fill manifoldincludes a fill line valve connected to an atomizer for receiving a fillline and introducing liquid carbon dioxide into the atomizer, liquidcylinder ports provided in the atomizer for connecting a pair of liquidchambers to the atomizer and receiving and storing the liquid carbondioxide, a gas cylinder port provided in the atomizer for connecting avapor container to the atomizer and receiving gaseous carbon dioxidegenerated in the atomizer and a service line valve also connected to theatomizer for receiving a service lien valve and servicing the end userwith gaseous carbon dioxide. A pressure actuated valve is also providedin the atomizer for periodically replenishing the supply of gaseouscarbon dioxide from the liquid containers responsive to a selectedpressure differential across the pressure actuated valve. A pressurerelief valve is seated in the atomizer to guard against excessive liquidcarbon dioxide system pressure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,921, incorporated byreference, discloses a carbon dioxide fill manifold and method for usingwhich is designed to provide an end-user with an uninterrupted supply ofcarbon dioxide gas, while at the same time eliminating the necessity oftransporting individual, conventional pressurized bottles to berefilled. In an embodiment the carbon dioxide fill manifold includes afill line valve connected to an atomizer for receiving a fill line andintroducing liquid carbon dioxide into the atomizer, liquid cylinderports provided in the atomizer for connecting a pair of liquid chambersto the atomizer and receiving and storing the liquid carbon dioxide, agas cylinder port provided in the atomizer for connecting a vaporcontainer to the atomizer and receiving gaseous carbon dioxide generatedin the atomizer and a service line valve also connected to the atomizerfor receiving a service lien valve and servicing the end user withgaseous carbon dioxide. A pressure actuated valve is also provided inthe atomizer for periodically replenishing the supply of gaseous carbondioxide from the liquid containers responsive to a selected pressuredifferential across the pressure actuated valve. A pressure relief valveis seated in the atomizer to guard against excessive liquid carbondioxide system pressure.

There has been a need for a new approach for the liquid carbon dioxideand other pressurized gas delivery business. U.S. Pat. No. 7,258,127,titled “Pressure Valve and Diverter System” to Schneider (“the '127Patent”), incorporated by reference in its entirety, addressed some ofthe problems with the prior art and provides a diverter valve, systemand method for the delivery of gases or liquids where the deliverypersons can fill the system without having to enter the building and thesystem can continue to deliver gas to the user. There is no interruptionof service while the system is being filled.

Japanese application 2004-528969 discloses what is described as acarbonation chamber that is of general relevance to the presentinvention.

U.S. Patent publication 2002-0179177 and Japanese applications2006-264716 and 3187052 may all be described as being generally relatedto the state of the art of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of disadvantages of present technologies surrounding thedelivery of pressurized products into systems using gases there is aneed for a fill gun apparatus to increase delivery efficiency, reducerisk, and reduce waste. Certain embodiments of the present inventionprovide a product filling apparatus for connection between a pump truckand a delivery system. The fill gun apparatus can be easily attached anddetached from an inlet port to deliver a pressurized fluid, for improveddelivery, increased efficiency, increased safety and decreased waste.Embodiments of the present invention can be used with the valves,systems, and methods disclosed in the '127 Patent and U.S. Pat. No.8,444,555 to Schneider (“the '555 Patent”), titled CO2 System PressureControl Valve, each of which incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

Certain embodiments of the present invention surround a pressurizedliquid fill gun apparatus having a quick connection for the connectionto a coupler of an inlet port. Quick connections include connectionshaving a retaining mechanism that allow rapid connection anddisconnection of two mating elements. Exemplary quick connectionsinclude a cam locking mechanism, a bayonet coupling, a v-band clamp,quick-disconnect hose couplings, cam-and-groove hose couplings,grip-lock hose couplings, twist-claw hose couplings, or other quickconnections means known to those skilled in the art. A quick connectionused with the present invention can be quickly connected to ordisconnect from an inlet port without risk of unintentionaldisconnection. Furthermore, using a quick connection allows for easydisconnection after delivery of pressurized products, particularly ifthe connection between the delivery apparatus and the inlet port freezesduring the delivery process. The quick connection allows a user torapidly connect the apparatus to and disconnect the apparatus from acoupler of an inlet port.

Certain embodiments comprise a quick connection having a sleevesurrounding an inlet line. The sleeve is configured to be placed arounda coupler of an inlet port, with the inlet line disposed within anaperture in the coupler. The sleeve has a plurality of pins extendingradially inward from the sleeve. The pins mate with surface slots in theexternal surface of the coupler. When the pins are engaged with thesurface slots, the sleeve can be rotated around the coupler to traversethe pins into pin retainers. Pin retainers serve to constrain the pins,and thus constrain the apparatus from unintentional disconnection fromthe inlet port. Certain embodiments comprise a quick connection having acompression spring to provide an expansion force to retain the pinswithin the pin retainers.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a pressurized liquid fillgun apparatus for the delivery of pressurized products into systemsthrough inlet ports such as those disclosed by a pressure diverter valvesystem as disclosed in the '127 Patent. Other embodiments are configuredfor mating with a coupler attached to an inlet port.

Certain embodiments comprise a first sleeve that mates with a secondsleeve to provide increased surface area. The increased surface areaprovides an operator with additional area to grasp, manipulate, andcarry the fill gun apparatus. In certain embodiments, a sleeve furthercomprises an annular ledge. An annular ledge provides increasedrotational leverage for the attachment and detachment of a sleeve to acoupler. It will be appreciated that an annular ledge may be locatedanywhere between a first end and a second end of the sleeve, and thatthere may be more than one annular ledge located on the sleeve. Certainembodiments comprise an annular ledge attached to an outer surface of asleeve with the annular ledge consistent with a first end of the sleeve.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise elements thatassemble using threading specified as American National Standard TaperPipe Thread, herein referred to as NPT, specified by ASME B 1.120.1-2013(American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2013, “American StandardTaper Pipe Thread,” ASME B1.120.1-2013). However, it will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, that the fill gun apparatus for thedelivery of pressurized product (e.g. liquid carbon dioxide) may beassembled in a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art.

Certain embodiments comprise fill gun apparatus having slidingcomponents. The sliding components comprise materials with a lowcoefficient of friction to reduce degradation between sliding parts. Itwill be appreciated that the materials of the sliding components mayinclude but are not limited to brass, bronze, Polyoxymethylene (POM),PolyTetraFluoroEthylene, or other materials known to have lowcoefficient of friction, or high lubricity. Such materials may also beused for components such as bushings, washers and other components thatslide against another component.

Certain embodiments comprise a fill gun apparatus configured to matewith the inlet port of a pressure diverter valve and system disclosed inthe '127 Patent. The fill gun apparatus allows an operator to fill asystem while connected to a coupler having a connection to an inletport. An operator connects the fill gun apparatus of the presentinvention to a coupler of an inlet port to allow the delivery of aproduct into the system, such as pressurized liquid carbon dioxide intoa carbon dioxide delivery system. The operator actuates a valve of thefill gun apparatus from a first configuration, which prevents the flowof fluid, to a second configuration. While the valve is in the secondconfiguration, fluid can flow between a first port in fluidcommunication with the truck, and a second port in fluid communicationwith the inlet port. When the system is full, the pump truck senses achange in pressure and automatically stops the delivery of product.Although the delivery of product ceases, a pressurized segment of thedelivery system may exist within the carbon dioxide delivery system andthe inlet port. Prior to the detaching the fill gun apparatus from thecoupler, an operator can actuate the valve to a third configuration,allowing the passage of product between the first port and a third porthaving fluid communication with the atmosphere. Actuation to this thirdconfiguration acts to purge potential pressurized product remainingbetween the apparatus and the pump truck after the filling operation.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of theinventions contained herein. The above-described embodiments,objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. Aswill be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possibleusing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forthabove or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neitherintended nor should it be construed as being representative of the fullextent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is setforth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in theattached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitationas to the scope of the present invention is intended to either theinclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in thisSummary. Additional aspects of the present invention will become morereadily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when takentogether with the drawings, and the claims provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A—A side view of an embodiment of an inlet line of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 1B—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inlet line of thedelivery apparatus.

FIG. 2A—An exploded view of an embodiment of the of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 2B—A side view of an embodiment of an inlet line of the deliveryapparatus and a cross-sectional view of a coupler.

FIG. 3—A side view of certain embodiments of the delivery apparatus.

FIG. 4A—A side view of certain embodiments of the delivery apparatus.

FIG. 4B—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sleeve of thedelivery apparatus.

FIG. 4C—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 4D—A side view of an embodiment of a bushing of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 4E—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bushing of thedelivery apparatus.

FIG. 5A—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the deliveryapparatus in relation to a coupler.

FIG. 5B—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pin of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 5C—A side view of an embodiment of a coupler.

FIG. 6A—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sleeve of thedelivery apparatus.

FIG. 6B—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 6C—A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 6D—A plan view of an embodiment of a washer of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 6E—A plan view of an embodiment of a washer of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 6F—A plan view of an embodiment of a washer of the deliveryapparatus.

FIG. 7—An exploded view of an embodiment of the delivery apparatus.

FIG. 8—An embodiment of a method for refilling a system using thedelivery apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a deliveryapparatus for the delivery of liquid product further comprise an inletline 1010, seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, of a generally tubular formhaving a first end 1020, a second end 1030 and a hole 1040 extendingbetween the first end 1020 and second end 1030. The inlet line 1010further comprises a first internal diameter 1050 and a first externaldiameter 1060. The inlet line 1010, further comprises an annular ledge1100 located between the first end 1020 and the second end 1030 of theinlet line. The annular ledge 1100 extends radially outward from anexternal surface 1080 of the inlet line and has a diameter 1110 largerthan the first external diameter 1060 of the inlet line. The annularledge 1100 further comprises a first surface 1120 and a second surface1130.

Certain embodiments comprise an inlet line 1010, seen in FIG. 1A andFIG. 1B, having a chamfer 1070 on a second end 1030 of the inlet line.The chamfer 1070 in some embodiments has a depth of 0.44 cm (0.173 in)and an angle of 60°. The chamfer 1070 as seen, assists in the alignmentof an inlet line 1010 when inserted into a receiving element.

Certain embodiments, seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, comprise an inlet line1010 having a first internal diameter 1050 of 0.795 mm (0.313 in), and afirst external diameter 1060 of an inlet line of 1.88 cm (0.74 in).Other embodiments comprise an inlet line 1010 have an annular ledge1100. The annular ledge 1110 can have a diameter 1110 of 3.68 cm (1.450in) and a thickness 1140 of 0.635 cm (0.250 in).

Certain embodiments, seen in FIG. 2A, comprise an inlet line 1010 and avalve 1300, with a first end 1020 of the inlet line affixed to a firstport 1310 of the valve in a manner to prevent the unintentional leakingof pressurized product to the ambient environment. The first end 1020 ofthe inlet line can comprise a male threaded feature 1350 configured tomate with the first port 1310 of the valve having a female threadedfeature 1320. The male threaded feature 1350 and the female threadedfeature 1320 comprises threading consistent 3/8-18 American NationalStandard Taper Pipe Thread (NPT). It will be appreciated that an inletline 1010 may be affixed to a port of a valve using other attachmentmethods known to those skilled in the art.

In certain embodiments, the valve 1300, as seen in FIG. 2A, comprises afirst port 1310, a second port 1330, and a third port 1340, each with afemale threaded feature 1320 for attachment to using a male threadedfeature 1350. The valve 1300, in a first configuration prevents thepassage of fluid through the valve 1300. A second configuration of thevalve 1300 allows the passage of fluid between the first port 1310, andthe second port 1330. A third configuration of the valve 1300 allows thepassage of fluid between the second port 1330 and the third port 1340.

Certain embodiments seen in FIG. 2A, further comprise a handle 1360. Ahandle 1360 has a tubular form for the passage of product and can beaffixed to a first port 1310 of a valve. The valve comprises a firstport 1310, a second port 1320, and a third port 1330. Certainembodiments comprise a vent tube 1370. The vent tube 1370 comprises atubular form and can be affixed to the third port 1340 of a valve.

As seen in FIG. 2B, certain embodiments comprise an inlet line 1010having a first circumferential ring 1200 between an annular ledge 1100and the second end 1030 of the inlet line. The first circumferentialring 1200 provides a perimetral seal between the inlet line 1010 and thecoupler 1600 by mating with a hole 1630 of the coupler. The firstcircumferential ring 1200 may comprise any sealing mechanism known tothose skilled in the art including but not limited to, O-rings, E-rings,B-rings, shaft seals, U-cup seals, ring seals and other annular typeseals. The circumferential ring 1200 of the present embodiment comprisesan O-ring comprising Buna-N able to withstand below freezingtemperatures without degradation of functionality. The circumferentialring 1200 can have an outer diameter of 1.92 cm (0.755 in) and across-sectional diameter of 0.261 cm (0.103 in) prior to installation.Circumferential rings may be made of materials including, Buna-N,Viton®, polyurethane, silicone, fluorosilicone, PolyTetraFluoroEthylene(PTFE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. Thecircumferential ring 1200 is disposed in a first groove 1220 in theexternal surface 1080 of the inlet line. In certain embodiments, groove1220 has a depth of 0.434 cm (0.171 in) and height of 1.92 cm (0.150in). Once installed into the first groove 1220, the circumferential ring1200 is deformed to have has a maximum diameter 1210 equal to or greaterthan the first external diameter 1060 of the inlet line. In certainembodiments, the maximum diameter 1210 of the circumferential ring isgreater than the diameter 1640 of a hole of a coupler, and thecross-sectional diameter is deformable.

Certain embodiments, seen in FIG. 2B, comprise a first groove 1220 and asecond groove 1220 for the placement of a first circumferential ring1200 and a second circumferential ring 1200. It will be appreciated thatadditional circumferential rings may be used to increase sealing betweenthe inlet line 1010 and the hole 1630 of a coupler.

As seen in FIG. 3, certain embodiments comprise an inlet line 1010having a first end (not shown), a second end 1030, an annular ledge1100, and a first external diameter 1060. The first external diameter1060 of the inlet line is equal to or less than the internal diameter ofa hole of a coupler 1600. Certain embodiments of comprise coupler 1600having a hole with diameter of about 0.740 in to 0.745 in. Typically,the inlet line 1010 is configured to have an engineering fit such as asliding or loose sliding fit with the hole such as dictated by ASMEY14.5 (American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2009, “Dimensioning andTolerancing,” ASME Y14.5).

Certain embodiments, seen in FIG. 3, comprise a fill gun apparatus 1000having an inlet line 1010 and a sleeve 1400. The sleeve 1400 is matedwith the inlet line 1010 wherein the sleeve 1400 affix the fill gunapparatus 1000 to a coupler 1600. The coupler 1600 is connected to aninlet port 2000 allowing the delivery of a pressurized liquid through aninlet port 2000 such as disclosed by the '127 Patent.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a sleeve 1400disposed over an inlet line 1010, seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4A. Theinterface between the sleeve 1400 and the inlet line 1010 can comprise asliding fit. The sleeve 1400, referencing FIG. 4B, has a first end 1410with a first internal diameter 1420 of 2.54 cm (1.00 in) of and a secondend 1430 with a second internal diameter 1440 of 3.25 cm (1.28 in). Thesleeve 1400 further comprises a hole 1450 extending between the firstend 1410 and the second end 1430 of the sleeve. The first internaldiameter 1420 of the sleeve is larger than a first external diameter1060, seen in FIG. 4A, of the inlet line, but smaller than the diameter1110 (FIG. 4C) of an annular ledge. The second diameter 1440 (FIG. 4B)of the sleeve is larger than the diameter 1110 (FIG. 4B) of the annularledge. The sleeve 1400, once again referencing FIG. 4B, furthercomprises a fixation mechanism that allows the sleeve 1400 to affix to acoupler 1600. In certain embodiments, a fixation mechanism actuatesrotatively about an axis 1460. The fixation mechanism can comprise a pin1550, seen in FIGS. 5 A-C, for indexing into mating elements.

As seen in FIG. 4B, certain embodiments comprise a sleeve 1400, having afirst external diameter 1510 and a second external diameter 1520 whichcreates a waist 1530 in the external surface 1540 of the sleeve. A waist1530 allows the operator to more easily manipulate the sleeve over thecoupler 1600.

As seen in FIG. 4C, certain embodiments comprise a bushing 1800 disposedbetween a sleeve 1400 and an inlet line 1010. As seen in FIG. 4D andFIG. 4E, the bushing can comprise an external surface 1810, having afirst external diameter 1815 configured to interface with an internalsurface 1480 (FIG. 4B) of a sleeve. The bushing 1800, seen in FIG. 4E,comprises an internal surface 1820, having a first internal diameter1825, configured to interface with an external surface 1080 (FIG. 4A) ofan inlet line. In certain embodiments, bushing 1800, seen in FIG. 4E,comprises an annular ledge 1830, having a diameter 1835. The annularledge 1830, comprises a first surface 1830 and a second surface 1840,wherein the first surface is configured to interface with the internalstep surface 1500 of the sleeve. As seen in FIG. 4C, bushing 1800 isconfigured to have a press-fit interface with the sleeve 1400 and asliding interface with the external surface 1080 of the inlet line incertain embodiments. Thus, the sleeve 1400 is slidably adjustable alongthe external surface 1080 of the inlet line. Bushing 1800 can comprisePTFE.

Certain embodiments seen in FIG. 5A, comprise an inlet line 1010 with anannular ledge 1100. As seen in FIG. 5A, the a sleeve 1400 has a pin 1550extending inward from an internal surface 1480 of the sleeve, proximalto the second end 1430 of the sleeve. As seen in FIG. 5B, in certainembodiments, the pin 1550, has a diameter 1560 of 0.64 cm (0.25 in) andlength 1570 of 1.08 cm (0.424 in), internal threading of #8-32 threadingand a thread depth of 0.848 cm (0.334 in). The pin 1550, as seen in FIG.5A, can be affixed to the internal surface 1480 of the sleeve, close tothe second end 1430 of the sleeve. As seen in FIG. 4C, in certainembodiments, the pin 1550 can be press-fit into apertures 1470 throughsleeve. The sleeve 1400 is disposed around the inlet line 1010. The pin1550 extends inward such that it may contact a second surface 1130 ofthe annular ledge 1100. The second end 1430 of the sleeve, as seen inFIG. 5A, is configured to slidably mate over a first end 1610 of acoupler 1600. The coupler 1600 comprises a first end 1610, a second end1620, and a hole 1630 extending therebetween. The second end of thecoupler 1620, in certain embodiments, is configured to affix to an inletport 2000. The hole 1630 of the coupler is configured to slidably matewith the inlet line 1010 inserted into the hole 1630 of the coupler. Incertain embodiments, there may be two or more pins 1550 radially spacedapart and affixed to the internal surface 1480 of the sleeve.

Certain embodiments as seen in FIGS. 5A-C, comprise a pin 1550 thatslidably mates with a surface slot 1650 in an external surface 1660 of acoupler. Once the pin 1550 is indexed into the surface slot 1650 of thecoupler, the sleeve 1400 is rotated to traverse the pin 1550 through thesurface slot 1650 to a pin retainer 1670. The pin retainer 1670 servesto prevent a pin 1550 from unintentionally disengaging from the surfaceslot 1650 of the coupler. In some embodiments, a surface slot 1650 of areceiver begins coincident with a first end 1610 of the coupler andtraverses radially around the coupler 1600 and away from the first end1610. At the termination of the surface slot 1650 in the embodiment seenin FIG. 5, the surface slot 1650 traverses back toward the first end1610 of the coupler to form a pin retainer 1670. In certain embodiments,there may be two or more surface slots 1650 radially spaced apart on theexternal surface 1660 of the coupler and corresponding with the spacedrelationship of the pins 1550 affixed to the internal surface 1480 ofthe sleeve.

Certain embodiments, seen in FIG. 6A, comprise a sleeve 1400 having afirst end 1410, a second end 1430, a first internal diameter 1420 and asecond diameter 1440. The sleeve 1400 further comprises an internal stepfeature 1490 between the first end 1410 and the second end 1430. Theinternal step feature 1490 comprises a third internal diameter 1445,larger than the first internal diameter 1420, thus creating an internalstep surface 1480 which is substantially orthogonal to the hole 1450between the first end 1410 and second end 1430 of the sleeve. Certainembodiments have a third diameter 0.660 cm (0.260 in).

As seen in FIG. 6B, certain embodiments comprise a sleeve 1400 assembledover an inlet line 1010 having a compression spring 1700 having a firstend 1710 and a second end 1720. The compression spring is disposedbetween an internal step feature 1490 and the annular ledge 1100 of theinlet line 1010. The compression spring 1700 provides an expansion forcebetween the internal step feature 1490 of the sleeve and the annularledge 1100 and biases the sleeve in a axial direction away from secondend 1030 of the inlet line. Pin 1550 laterally contacts a second surface1130 of the annular ledge to prevent the pin 1550 from being displacedbeyond the second surface 1130 of the annular ledge due to the expansionforce of the compression spring 1700. When assembled with a coupler 1600(FIG. 5C), the expansion force of the compression spring 1700 acts toconstrain the pin 1550 within a pin retainer 1670. Thus, the sleeve 1400is rotatively constrained with the coupler 1600, and preventsunintentional disconnection between the fill gun apparatus 1000 and thecoupler 1600.

As seen in FIG. 6B, certain embodiments include at least one washer. Thewasher 1870 has an internal diameter 1871 and an external diameter 1872.The first washer 1870, referencing FIG. 6B, is disposed between a firstend 1710 of a compression spring and a second surface 1850 of an annularledge of a bushing. Other embodiments comprise a plurality of washers. Asecond washer 1880, seen in FIG. 6E, has an internal diameter 1881 andan external diameter 1882. The second washer 1880, referencing FIG. 6B,is disposed between a second end 1720 of a compression spring and afirst surface 1120 of an annular ledge of an inlet line. Certainembodiments further comprise third washer 1890. The third washer 1890,seen in FIG. 6F, comprises an internal diameter 1891 and an externaldiameter 1892. The third washer 1890, referencing FIG. 6B, is a slipwasher disposed between the second washer 1880 and the first surface1120 of the annular ledge of the inlet line. It will be appreciated thatwashers 1870, 1880, and 1890 mat comprise materials such as stainlesssteel, aluminum, galvanized steel, materials with a low coefficient offriction such as PTFE, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or POM, or othermaterials known to those skilled in the art for the purposes of awasher.

Certain embodiments seen in FIG. 6C, further comprises a sleeve 1900having a first end 1910 and a second end 1920. The second end 1920 ofthe second sleeve is configured to mate with the first end 1410 of afirst sleeve, thus extending a first sleeve 1400 and providing increasedsurface area. Certain embodiments of a sleeve 1900, further comprises anannular ledge 1930. Typically, consistent with the first end 1910 of thesecond sleeve, annular ledge 1930 has a first diameter 1940 greater thana first external diameter of the first sleeve 1400. Certain embodimentsof a second sleeve 1900, further comprise a recess consistent with thefirst end 1910 of the second sleeve.

Certain embodiments as seen in FIG. 7, comprise an assembly ofindividual components of the fill gun apparatus 1000 for the delivery ofpressurized fluid. The assembly comprises a valve 1300, a handle 1360, afirst sleeve 1400, a second sleeve 1900, a bushing 1800, a first washer1870, a compression spring 1700, a second washer 1880, a third washer1880, an inlet line 1010 and a pin 1550. The valve comprises a firstport 1310, a second port 1320, and a third port 1330. The valve 1300 hasa first position which prevents the flow of fluid, a second positionwhich allows fluid flow between first port 1310 and third port 1330 influid communication with handle 1360, and third position which allowsfluid flow between first port 1310 and third port 1330 in fluidcommunication with the vent tube 1370.

Certain embodiments of the present invention, seen in FIG. 8, comprise amethod 3000 for the delivery of pressurized product comprising,inserting 3010 an inlet line of a filler device into a receptacle. Incertain embodiments, it may be required to perform an indexing 3020step, to align the quick connection of the sleeve with that of acoupler. The operator then actuates 3030 a valve from a firstconfiguration which blocks the flow of product, to a secondconfiguration. The second configuration allows the delivery of productthrough the filler device to the receptacle. An operator then activates3040 a pump which then fills 3050 fluid through the receptacle. When thesystem has reached a predetermined pressure, the pump or pump trucksenses 3060 a change in pressure and deactivates 3070 the pump. Once thepump has been deactivated, the operator actuates the valve from a secondconfiguration to a third configuration. The third configuration allowsthe flow of product between the filler device and the ambientenvironment, purging 3080 any high pressure product contained within theline. After purging the filler device an operator then disconnects thedevice from the receptacle. The disconnection of the device is performedby removing 3090 the inlet line from the receptacle.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and alterations are withinthe scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventionsdescribed herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practicedor of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof hereinare meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof, as well as, additional items.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fill gun apparatus for delivering pressurizedliquid comprising: a valve having a first port, a second port, and athird port; an inlet line having a first external diameter, a first endattached to the first port, a second end, and a hole extending betweenthe first end and the second end; a first annular ledge located betweenthe first end and the second end of the inlet line, the first annularledge coincident with the first external diameter of the inlet line; thefirst annular ledge having a first diameter larger than the firstexternal diameter of the inlet line, and the first annular ledgecomprising a first surface and a second surface; a first circumferentialring coincident with the inlet line located between the second end ofthe inlet line and the first annular ledge; a bushing having a firstinternal diameter equal to or greater than the first external diameterof the inlet line, a first external diameter, and a second annular ledgehaving a diameter; the bushing disposed over the inlet line with thesecond annular ledge oriented toward the second end of the inlet line; afirst washer having an internal diameter equal to or greater than thefirst external diameter of the inlet line, an external diameter equal toor less than the second external diameter of the bushing, and the firstwasher being disposed against the second annular ledge with the firstwasher disposed around the inlet line; a first sleeve comprising a firstend having a first internal diameter equal to or greater than the firstexternal diameter of the bushing, a second end having a second internaldiameter equal to or greater than the first diameter of the firstannular ledge, a hole extending between the first end and the second endof the first sleeve, an internal step feature located between the firstend and the second end of the first sleeve, and a first externaldiameter coincident with the first end of the first sleeve; the firstend of the first sleeve disposed over the bushing, the second end of thefirst sleeve directed away from the first end of the inlet line, and theinternal step feature against the second annular ledge; a second sleevecomprising a first end, a second end, and a hole extending between thefirst end and the second end, the hole of the second sleeve having afirst internal diameter equal or greater than the first externaldiameter of the inlet line, a second internal diameter coincident withthe second end of the second sleeve, the second internal diameter equalor greater than the first external diameter of the first sleeve, and anannular ledge coincident with the first end of the second sleeve; thesecond sleeve assembled to the first sleeve with the second end of thesecond sleeve disposed over the first end of the first sleeve; a firstpin affixed to the first sleeve, the pin extending radially inward froman inner surface of the first sleeve, the pin located between theinternal step feature and the second end of the first sleeve; a secondwasher having an internal diameter equal to or greater than the firstexternal diameter of the inlet line, an external diameter equal to orless than the second internal diameter of the first sleeve, and thewasher being disposed against the first surface of the second annularledge of the inlet line with the second washer disposed around the inletline; and a compression spring disposed between the first washer and thesecond washer, wherein the first sleeve is rotatably adjustable aboutthe inlet line.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a thirdwasher disposed between the second washer and the second end of thecompression spring.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inlet linefurther comprises a second circumferential ring coincident with theinlet line and located between the second end of the inlet line and thefirst annular ledge.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising asecond pin with angular offset from the first pin, and a third pin withangular offset from the first pin and the second pin, the first pin andthe second pin extending radially inward from the inner surface of thefirst sleeve, and the second pin and the third pin located between theinternal step feature and the second end of the first sleeve.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve comprises a directional valvehaving a first configuration which provides a flow path between thefirst port and the second port and a second configuration which providesa flow path between the second port and the third port.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the second sleeve further comprises a recessconsistent with the first end of the second sleeve.
 7. A fill gunapparatus for delivering liquid product into a pressure diverter valveassembly comprising: an inlet line having a first external diameter, afirst end, a second end, and a hole extending between the first end andthe second end; a first annular ledge located between the first end andthe second end of the inlet line, the first annular ledge coincidentwith the first external diameter of the inlet line, the first annularledge having a first diameter larger than the first external diameter ofthe inlet line, and the first annular ledge comprising a first surfaceand a second surface; a first circumferential ring coincident with theinlet line and located between the second end of the inlet line and thefirst annular ledge; a first sleeve comprising a first end having afirst internal diameter equal to or greater than the first externaldiameter of the inlet line, a second end having a second internaldiameter equal to or greater than the first diameter of the firstannular ledge, a hole extending the first end and the second end of thefirst sleeve, and an internal step feature located between the first endand the second end of the first sleeve; the first end of the firstsleeve disposed over the inlet line with the first end of the firstsleeve located between the first end of the inlet line and the firstannular ledge, and the second end of the first sleeve directed away fromthe first end of the inlet line, wherein the first sleeve is rotatablyadjustable about the inlet line; a first pin extending radially inwardfrom an inner surface of the first sleeve, located between the internalstep feature and the second end of the first sleeve; and a compressionspring disposed between the internal step feature of the first sleeveand the first surface of the first annular ledge, wherein the firstsleeve is slidably adjustable along the inlet line.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7 further comprising a bushing having a first internal diameterequal to or greater than the first external diameter of the inlet line,a first external diameter, and a second annular ledge having a secondexternal diameter, wherein the bushing is disposed between the inletline and the first internal diameter of the first sleeve.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 7 further comprising a first washer having aninternal diameter equal to or greater than the first external diameterof the inlet line, an external diameter equal to or less than the secondinternal diameter of the first sleeve, and the first washer disposedbetween a first end of the compression spring and the internal stepfeature; and a second washer having an internal diameter equal to orgreater than the first external diameter of the inlet line, an externaldiameter equal to or less than the second internal diameter of the firstsleeve, and the second washer disposed between a second end of thecompression spring and the first annular ledge.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 7 further comprising a second sleeve having a first end, a secondend and a hole extending between the first end and the second end, thesecond sleeve having a first internal diameter equal or greater than thefirst external diameter of the inlet line, a second internal diametercoincident with the second end of the sleeve equal or greater than thefirst external diameter of the first sleeve, and an annular ledgecoincident with the second end of the second sleeve, wherein the secondsleeve is assembled to the first sleeve with the second end of thesecond sleeve disposed over the first end of the first sleeve.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 7 wherein the inlet line further comprises a secondcircumferential ring coincident with the inlet line and located betweenthe second end of the inlet line and the first annular ledge.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 7 further comprising a second pin with angular offsetfrom the first pin, and a third pin with angular offset from the firstpin and the second pin, the first pin and the second pin extendingradially inward from the inner surface of the first sleeve, and thesecond pin and the third pin located between the internal step featureand the second end of the first sleeve.
 13. A method for deliveringliquid into a pressure diverter valve assembly comprising: inserting aninlet line of a filler device into a receptacle; rotating a firstelement of the filler device; actuating a valve of the filler device toa first configuration; activating a pump; filling product through thereceptacle; sensing a change in pressure; deactivating the pump inresponse to the change in pressure; actuating a valve of the fillerdevice to a second configuration to purge the filler device;counter-rotating the first element of the filler device; and removingthe inlet line of the filler device from the receptacle.
 14. The methodof claim 13 wherein the sensing step comprises sensing an increase inpressure.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the sensing step comprisessensing a sudden change in pressure.